MILWAUKEE - The Marquette University men's and women's cross country squads will host the 2009 BIG EAST Cross Country Championships Saturday in Kenosha, Wis., at the Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course. The event will kick off with the men's 8k race at 11 a.m. followed by the women's 6k race at 11:50 a.m. Check-in and a coaches meeting is expected to begin around 9:30 a.m., with the awards ceremony expected to commence around 1 p.m.

After graduating senior Kyle Saginus earned All-BIG EAST honors in 2008, Marquette looks to add a few new runners to the medal podium Saturday afternoon. Seniors Jayne Grebinski and Anna Weber have each competed strongly in the conference championships over their careers and sophomore Blake Johnson will lead the men into action.

In 2008, junior Brice Cleland finished second on the squad with a 35th-place finish (25:34), while Johnson was MU's fourth-place finisher (55th, 26:11). On the women's side Weber led the way in 35th (21:37), while Grebinski followed in 37th (21:39).

This year marks the first time since Nov. 2, 1996 that Marquette has played host to a cross country conference championship. That year, at the Bus Shimek National Cross Country Course, Amy Erickson led the Marquette women to a second place finish by placing second herself in a time of 18:09.8. The Marquette men also finished second, led by top finisher Hans Van Zanten in sixth.

Marquette last hosted a BIG EAST Championship in 2007 when the Al McGuire Center hosted the women's volleyball tournament. The BIG EAST women's soccer championships were also held at Valley Fields in 2005.

The Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course has garnered nationwide-acclaim for its scenic routes, demanding paths and spectator-friendly layout.

The Golden Eagles have been able to compete on the course once this year at the Midwest Collegiate Open on Sept. 19. The men finished second at the meet, while the women placed third.